But the seven-time world champion will start from second place in Sunday's race after the Hamilton incurred a penalty for changing a gearbox which sees him drop down to seventh.

Rosber's emphatic drive is the first time in 110 attempts that the 26-year-old has claimed pole and is the first time since the 1955 Italian Grand Prix that two Mercedes drivers have claimed to the top two qualifying positions.

But there was little joy for his compatriot and reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel who will start from 11th after failing to make the final qualifying session.

The Red Bull driver is struggling to make an impact this season, starting the first two races of the season from seventh which were converted into finishes of 12th and 13th in Australia and Malaysia respectively.

His teammate Australia's Mark Webber fared a bit better in qualifying claiming sixth place on the starting grid.

Lewis Hamilton's demotion means Sauber's Kamui Kobayashi moves up to third on the grid, ahead of Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen.

McLaren's Jenson Button will start Sunday's race from fifth.

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, winner in Malaysia three weeks ago, had a disappointing qualifying session finishing down in ninth with teammate Felipe Massa three places further back.